Pure Pinoy, non-"halfie" Azkals get an endorsement too

(SPOT.ph) "Homegrown" members of the Philippine Azkals were given the limelight as endorsers of motorcycle-manufacturing company Suzuki's latest ad, reports ABS-CBN News. Instead of using the usual mestizo players for their campaign, Suzuki signed "pure Pinoy" Azkals Ian Araneta, Yanick Tuazon, Chieffy Caligdong, Roel Gener, and Paolo Pascual.

Though happy about the recognition, Azkals co-captain Caligdong stressed that being pure or part Filipino is a non-factor. "Kahit taga-Barotac [in Iloilo] ka or ibang bansa, hindi automatic na magaling at makakapasok ka sa Azkals. Wag ka lang susuko at patuloy lang ang pag-sakripisyo (If you're from Barotac or another country, it doesn't mean you're already good and you can join the Azkals. Just don't give up and keep working hard)."

Caligdong said the ad is meant to inspire children from the provinces to go after their dreams. "Huwag nila i-compare ang sarili sa iba hanggang kaya nila ipakita yung kung ano sila, lahat sila may chance (They shouldn't compare themselves to others. As long as they continue to prove themselves, they all have a chance)."

Striker Ian Araneta agreed. "Nasa iyo na yung pagpursige, hanggang may pinapakita ka sa training, hanggang di ka nagpapabaya, hindi ka maliligaw ng landas (It's up to you to push yourself. As long as you're doing your best during training, as long as you don't become careless, you won't go astray)."

According to Caligdong, height-wise, they may be the smallest on the team, but they are a big part of the Azkals.